1978 Catalina 301 v8 issue

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ConscriptBCB

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Good evening everyone. This is my first post, so please forgive the ignorance of anything I may say or ask. I have an issue that is plaguing me to my wits end. I currently have a 1978 Pontiac Catalina that is equipped with a 301 v8. Now then, while this engine is admittedly running very well, the issue is in the fact that it is the short deck 2bbl variation. Those of you who know these also know these are regarded as one of the worst v8s Pontiac rolled out. After doing some research on the engine, I have come to the conclusion that there are no performance upgrades for this variation. There isn't enough power to pull this 3800lb car (give or take). I have spun my head in circles trying to decide what on earth to do about this issue. I'm not looking for a incredible amount of hp, just something to satisfy my desire for the car to "get out of it's own way". In short I want to ask. Does anyone make motor mounts for swapping a small block chevy into the place of a Pontiac engine in this particular model of vehicle? I know the easiest solution is to find a larger Pontiac engine, however they are harder to find and far less affordable in my area of the country.
 
Look at Summit Racing and Jegs. You also would need a transmission adapter.
 
It would be easier to source a 350 or 400 Pontiac V8 for the swap, but then you may have issues with the accessory drives on the front of the engine not fitting the taller Pontiac Block and head combo. But you will have the same issues with the accessories if you swap a SBC.
The Pontiac V8 will bolt up to the existing motor mounts, transmission, and can be used with the existing cooling system. The torque difference with even a 2bbl Pontiac 350 would be very noticeable. Just something to think about. You should not have any issues finding the parts you will need for a SBC swap, they are readily available from many venders. But there will be many small issue to overcome, like battery and starter placement, they are on the opposite sides of Chevy/Pontiac engines, along with the A/C compressor and alternator mounting.
 
Back in the day I had a 79 Formula with the 301 2bbl , I swapped the intake to a four barrel , lost the converter, put true dual exaust , it was a decent improvement without spending to much. It might be worth a try.
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The trouble is finding a 301 4bbl intake, and a non computerized Q-jet for it. As the aftermarket intakes will not fit a 301, it has to be the factory 4bbl intake. But I suppose you could use any 4bbl c carb you prefer. But most aftermarket carbs a square bores, and would need an adapter plate to work on the factory spread bore intake. And I have never like the results of that combination.

I agree That if the factory 4bbl intake and carb could be located at a reasonable cost it would add 20-30HP with a decent dual exhaust system. But to really improve the acceleration to a decent level a rear gear change would be needed. Most late 70's B-Body cars came with 2.42-2.73 rear gears, and with the 4000lbs weight of the car, and the little bit of torque the engines supplied they really needed a 3.08-3.23 rear gear to really perform reasonably.

I found this site with a 4bbl 301 intake manifold listed no price listed though if the original poster is interested in going that way.

 
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